Our fully Guided Vacation Experiences

Led throughout by an experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide, all your needs are taken care of. Ranging between 4 to 20 days in length, all breakfasts are included, plus up to half of your dinners. Guided Vacations are a great way to make new friends!

You deserve a Short Break

Ranging from 2 to 7 days length, Short Breaks combine the must-see highlights of a destination with your choice from three accommodation standards, plus selected meals. Travel with different Driver Guides and a new group of like-minded travellers each day.

Journey to amazing places

Rich and immersive experiences in an intimate group setting of less than 20 like-minded travellers and no kids under 12years. Luxury transport, boutique retreats, lodges and resorts with great cuisine to match – be inspired!

Great value holidays

Affordable, easy going small group adventures of approximately 20 guests. With a focus on value for money, our Driver Guides will share with you authentic Australian experiences and must-see experiences of each destination we visit.

The Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest

There is so much to see in magnificant Tropical North Queensland. Choose from a selection of tours to the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Tjapukai Cultural Park, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River and Cape Tribulation.

Prices From

$4995

$6555

$4995

No stone is left unturned as you venture into parts of the South Island less travelled. From the wild and pristine natural wonderland of Stewart Island, to the spectacular vistas of Mt. Cook, through to Milford Sound, where you will fall asleep under a blanket of mist and shadows on the still waters of the fiord.

Itinerary

1 October 2016 - 30 September 2017 ?

Welcome to Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Centre or Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s only open-range zoo. This evening meet your Travel Director for dinner and a welcome drink.

Hotel:
The George,
Christchurch

Included Meals:
Dinner with wine

Day
2

Christchurch – Punakaiki

All aboard the famous TranzAlpine train! Rated as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys, you’ll travel across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps. Then re-join your coach at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You’ll stay in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. Enjoy dinner while watching the thundering surf at your door step!

Hotel:
Punakaiki Resort

Included Meals:
Full buffet breakfast, dinner with wine

Day
3

Punakaiki – Franz Josef

Today visit Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, for a greenstone (jade) jewellery demonstration by a local carver. Then visit the West Coast’s newest attraction, the Treetop Walkway through the canopy of this lush rainforest. Stop at the gold-mining town of Ross en route to Franz Josef, where you’ll take a guided tour to the viewing area at the mighty Franz Josef Glacier with a local expert glacier guide. Your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not treat yourself to Franz Josef’s local geothermal hot pools or perhaps a massage. Dinner is at the retreat.

Hotel:
Te Waonui Forest Retreat,
Franz Josef

Included Meals:
Full buffet breakfast, dinner with wine

Day
4-6

Franz Josef – Queenstown

Day 4: Franz Josef – Queenstown

You’ll have the opportunity to see the glacier from the air on an optional scenic flight. Later today, travel over the Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, stopping at Makarora at lunchtime. Also stop to explore the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown, followed by an orientation tour of Queenstown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown’s scenery is inspiring. Tonight you’ll stay at Millbrook Resort, set amid sparkling streams and rolling hills in the Southern Alps.

Day 5: Queenstown ‘Free Time’

Today is free for you to explore New Zealand’s adventure-capital. Perhaps play a round of golf or indulge in a spa treatment. Tonight you’ll ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for dinner with a view overlooking stunning Queenstown, the awesome Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.

Day 6: Queenstown ‘Free Time’

Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not take a trip to the Gibbston Valley Winery or take a jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River (both own expense). Tonight you can dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés in town, or simply relax at your resort.

Hotel:
Millbrook Resort,
Queenstown, 3 nights

Included Meals:
Day 4:Full buffet breakfast, dinner with wine. Day 5: Full buffet breakfast, highlight dinner. Day 6: Full buffet breakfast.

Day
7

Queenstown – Milford Sound

Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Later you’ll travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the amazing Mirror Lake. Afterwards, walk to see the Chasm on your way into Milford Sound and take some time to kayak this majestic fiord, considered by many as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Tonight it’s a magical dinner on your overnight cruise on Milford Sound. You’ll cruise the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea past waterfalls, mountains and wildlife.

Hotel:
Milford Mariner

Included Meals:
Full buffet breakfast, dinner

Day
8-9

Milford Sound – Stewart Island

Day 8: Milford Sound – Stewart Island

Enjoy the many early morning on-board activities. This afternoon it’s on to the southern-most city in New Zealand, Invercargill. Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to Stewart Island. With its clear, clean waters, lush rainforest, flora and fauna and unspoilt natural beauty, you’ll get a glimpse of an enviable slower lifestyle. Dine at one of the cafés or meet the locals at the hotel.

Day 9: Stewart Island

This morning you’re off on a Village and Bays tour before taking a lunch cruise on Paterson Inlet, where you’ll see many remote sandy beaches and wildlife. You’ll stop at Ulva Island and tour with the Department of Conservation on Ulva Island’s wildlife sanctuary. Learn about native birds like the Weka and spend time up close to native flora and fauna. Tonight, try your hand at a bit of kiwi-spotting in the native bush near your accommodation.

Hotel:
Bay Motel on Stewart Island,
2 nights

Included Meals:
Day 8: Full buffet breakfast. Day 9: Full buffet breakfast, lunch

Day
10

Stewart Island – Mt. Cook

Board a ferry to the mainland. Admire the rural farming views of Southland as you travel back towards Queenstown. Travel over the Lindis Pass and into the MacKenzie high country, along the shores of Lake Pukaki to the foothills of Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere. Tonight enjoy dinner with a mountain view.

Hotel:
The Hermitage Hotel,
Mt. Cook

Included Meals:
Full buffet breakfast, dinner with wine

Day
11

Mt. Cook – Christchurch

Travel to Lake Tekapo, where you’ll stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, join us at the home of Angie and Stan Taylor to enjoy a barbecue lunch in their 240 hectare garden. Then travel along the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch. On a sightseeing tour see how the city is being rebuilt after the devastating 2011 earthquake.

Hotel:
The George,
Christchurch

Included Meals:
Full buffet breakfast, lunch

Day
12

Farewell from Christchurch

Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

Don't Miss

Historic Arrowtown

On this journey 20 minutes out of Queenstown you’ll call in at Arrowtown. It’s charming and quirky; a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of small-town heritage buildings that stretches into a tree-lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages. The quaint cottages and shops hark back to Arrowtown's ‘golden’ age of the 1860s. Traces of the town's history as a gold rush-era settlement are found everywhere, from the beautiful old shops, to the Lakes District Museum, to the Chinese Miners Settlement just along from the town’s main road. It’s wonderful place to browse and soak up Arrowtown’s lively heritage.

Highlights

Journey on the iconic TranzAlpine Train

Discover the fascinating Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki

Visit a Pounamu factory & marvel at handcrafted jade

Walk above the lush rainforest on the Treetop Walkway

Experience mighty Franz Josef Glacier

Explore historic Arrowtown

Ride a gondola to Bob’s Peak for stunning views

Cruise on Milford Sound for a once in a lifetime overnight sailing trip

Kayak on mystical Milford Sound

Immerse yourself in the untouched Stewart Island

Wake up to spectacular mountain scenery in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Enjoy a home-cooked barbecue lunch and a farm tour at Morelea Farm

Inclusions

Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide

Hand-picked accommodation

Travel in a luxury vehicle with no more than 20 guests

Airport transfers (see flight information below)

Dining

Full buffet breakfasts (11)

Lunches (2)

Highlight dinner (1)

Dinners with wine (5)

Dinner (1)

Flight Information

Any flights referred to in the itinerary are at the client’s expense and are not included in the land content price.

Quality accommodation

The George

50 Park Terrace, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

Christchurch

The George, a luxury boutique hotel, is the essence of supreme comfort and is renowned for offering a personalised stay and attentive staff. Located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and river Avon you will find peaceful Christchurch accommodation just steps from the cultural precinct and key attractions. Impeccable service in an intimate ambiance is guaranteed at The George, the only Christchurch Hotel with a one-to-one staff to guest ratio.

Features

Hair Dryer

Air-conditioning

Safety deposit box (laptop size)

24 hour room service

Wireless Internet access

Mini Bar

Bathrobe

Alarm Clock

Modern bathroom with luxury amenities

42 inch LED television

Night sensor lighting

Laundry/Valet service

Punakaiki Resort

State Highway 6 ,Punakaiki 8252 New Zealand

Situated on New Zealand's wild West Coast, the Punakaiki Resort is surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and is only a stone's throw from the beach. The hotel rooms are designed in harmony with the local environment to maintain a sense of privacy and seclusion and have either ocean or rainforest views.

Features

Ensuite

Shower and toilet facilities

Refrigerator

Tea & Coffee Facilities

Phone

Hairdryer

Wireless Internet access

TV

Satellite/cable colour TV

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

3 Wallace St, Franz Josef Glacier 7886, New Zealand

Franz Josef

A haven from the city rush, a foray into New Zealand’s pristine wilderness – Te Waonui Forest Retreat is truly a place to relax and refresh. All focus has been on creating a healthy, environmentally safe habitat to maximise guests’ wellbeing. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat seamlessly incorporates measures that greatly reduce its environmental impact. Designed to stand the test of time, Te Waonui’s durable, New Zealand building design blends in with its stunning natural setting. Management and staff at Te Waonui actively support community-based projects to preserve our outstanding natural heritage in Franz Josef Glacier Town.

Features

In-room safe

Wireless Internet access

Tea & Coffee Facilities

Pillow Menu (Choice of pillows)

Luxurious bed linen

Private balcony or courtyard

Electronic security key system

Air-conditioning

Iron / Ironing Board

Mini Bar

TV

Millbrook Resort

Malaghans Rd, Arrowtown 9348 New Zealand

Queenstown, 3 nights

Millbrook Resort provides superior Queenstown accommodation in a peaceful and private setting, and is the ultimate in luxury. Beautifully-appointed rooms, suites and villas complement the history and character of the Central Otago region with spacious rooms, large windows and balconies that take advantage of the stunning views that surround the entire resort.

Features

Mini Bar

Wi-Fi

Tea & Coffee Facilities

Satellite TV

Hairdryer

Flat Screen TV

Bathrobe

Iron

Luxury bathroom products

Bathtub and shower

Milford Mariner

Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound 9846, New Zealand

Spend the night aboard the Milford Mariner waking up in one of the most beautiful places on earth. You’ll cruise the full length of Milford Sound accompanied by a specialist nature guide. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife.

Features

Private cabins with en suites

Use of Kayaks

Bay Motel on Stewart Island

9 Dundee St, Stewart Island 9846 New Zealand

2 nights

Stewart Island, New Zealand's third island and home to Rakiura National Park. Island of nature with crystal clear waters. Bay Motel is located in the heart of the Oban township, offering views of bush-clad hills, Halfmoon Bay and the township. Absolute comfort and enjoyment is the priority for all staying at the Bay Motel and on Stewart Island.

Features

Individual heater control

Kitchenette

Refrigerator

Microwave

Complimentary tea and coffee

Sky TV

Phone

Wireless Internet access

Guest Laundry

The Hermitage Hotel

89 Terrace Road, Mt Cook 8770, New Zealand

Mt. Cook

From an intrepid journey through glacial valleys to a mouth-watering culinary dining adventure, The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect place to base your adventure and discover why this region has endeared itself to Kiwi adventure seekers for so long. Choose from premium hotel rooms, motel units or cozy chalets. Add world-class activities such as Glacier Explorers, Tasman Valley 4WD and Argo Tours, Big Sky Stargazing, Encounter Day Walks, scenic flights or the visual extravaganza of the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and you have a unique, year-round alpine adventure perfect for the family holiday or your next romantic getaway.

Features

Sky TV

Wi-Fi (additional cost)

Refrigerator

Binoculars

Balcony or Terrace

Telephone - Voice Mail

IDD Phones

The George

50 Park Terrace, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

Christchurch

The George, a luxury boutique hotel, is the essence of supreme comfort and is renowned for offering a personalised stay and attentive staff. Located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and river Avon you will find peaceful Christchurch accommodation just steps from the cultural precinct and key attractions. Impeccable service in an intimate ambiance is guaranteed at The George, the only Christchurch Hotel with a one-to-one staff to guest ratio.

Features

Hair Dryer

Air-conditioning

Safety deposit box (laptop size)

24 hour room service

Wireless Internet access

Mini Bar

Bathrobe

Alarm Clock

Modern bathroom with luxury amenities

42 inch LED television

Night sensor lighting

Laundry/Valet service

Experience more on your holiday

To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality
Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. We understand that everyone is an individual, and have therefore allowed some free time for you to experience different types of touring. These have not been included in the tour fare as we realise they may not appeal to all people. Our selection of optional excursions include scenic flights, helicopter rides, cruises, dinners, ballooning, fishing trips, four wheel drive tours, cultural experiences, and even camel riding.

Experiences available between 1 October 2016 - 30 September 2017

Christchurch Tramway (Christchurch)

NZ$20 Adult, Children free

Step back in time to a grand era of transport and relax as the Christchurch Tram around the 'must-see' central attractions. Get on and off as you please at any of the seven stops. The tram drivers provide a live commentary throughout the loop, identifying points of interest, historic architecture and the changes the city is under-going since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

Ziptrek Ecotours Zipline Adventure (Queenstown)

Ziptrek Ecotours is a spectacular and exhilarating flying fox eco-adventure through the forest canopy high above Queenstown, on Skyline Gondola hill.

Kawarau River Rafting (Queenstown)

NZ$229 Adult/Child

4 hours including transfer to Cavell’s rafting lodge to collect your wetsuit and other rafting equipment. Transfer to Kawarau River put-in point for extensive safety instructions and training in paddling techniques. Then raft the mighty Kawarau River! Hot showers, sauna and complimentary tea/coffee await you at the end of this adventure.

Kiwi Birdlife Park (Queenstown)

NZ$48 Adult NZ$23 Child

The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary found in the heart of Queenstown. They hold and display over 20 species of native NZ wildlife in our 5 acre Park, all of which are part of nationally managed programmes. Your entry fee supports their conservation work. They offer guaranteed kiwi viewing in our specially constructed nocturnal houses, audio tours (available in English and Japanese; allow 45min), Conservation Shows (11am, 3pm; allow 30min) and Kiwi Feedings (10am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 4.30pm; allow 15min). They offer an all-day pass and the park can be enjoyed in all weather. Experience conservation in action!

Shotover Jet Boat Ride (Queenstown)

NZ$139 Adult NZ$75 Child

Enjoy a 30-minute jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River and through Shotover Canyon with the only company permitted to operate in this area. A major highlight is experiencing the famous “Shotover Jet Turn” where your boat spins through a full 360 degrees turn. Includes return transfers from Queenstown. (Duration: 1.5 hours in total)

Nomad Safaris 4WD Tour (Queenstown)

NZ$185 Adult NZ$90 Child

Be amazed by both the man-made and natural features on this 4-hour 4WD safari from Queenstown. The tour incorporates scenes from The Lord of the Rings incl Heaven & Hells Gate, Maori Point, Lighthouse rock, Blue Slip, Skippers Bridge, Skippers Settlement and gold panning in the Shotover River.

Queenstown Original Wine Trail (Queenstown)

NZ$160 Adult NZ$95 Child

The Queenstown Wine Trail offers a fun, personalised and friendly sightseeing wine tour of vineyards and wineries in New Zealand’s premier wine regions – Queenstown & Central Otago. As the groups are small, you will have time to taste a variety of wines at four Queenstown wineries, sample local cheeses, enjoy a winery lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery (at own expense) and experience spectacular scenery.

Queenstown Wine Trail Summer Sampler (Queenstown)

NZ$182 Adult NZ$130 Child

This unique food and wine experience is a relaxed and leisurely tour amongst picturesque surroundings. It is the ideal tour for guests who may have a shorter time frame. Tour includes tastings at two wineries, an underground wine cave tour, cheese presentation and tasting at the regions only cheesery and a gourmet lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery. Operates 1st of October to 31st of March.

Skippers Canyon Jet - Scenic Tour & Jet Boat (Queenstown)

NZ$195 Adult NZ$115 Child

Skippers Canyon Jet are the only company to offer a complete 4WD tour of Skippers Canyon and access to the unique mining relics available in the Sainsbury gold claim museum. Following the winding, yet majestic Skippers road, which carves its way down from the Coronet Peak ski road, over the saddle and down “Long gully” through to Skippers Canyon; your guide will detail the history of the road, hardships of the miners and how many miners were killed building the road over a century ago.

Dart River Safari Jet Boat (Queenstown)

NZ$239 Adult NZ$139 Child

A stimulating not-to-be missed journey into the Dart River Valley where mythology, heritage & fantasy meet reality. Your Wilderness Jet trip is an exhilarating and spectacular journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, with the only jet boat operator allowed on the Dart River.

Walter Peak Horse Trekking (Queenstown)

NZ$129 Adult NZ$77 Child

Join Real Journeys for a relaxing and scenic horse trek through Walter Peak High Country Farm. Cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm before meeting your horse and guide for a wonderful horseback experience. This 40 minute trek takes you across beautiful rolling terraces to a lookout with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. The riding is easy, picturesque and suitable for even first-time riders. After returning to the stables, enjoy a delicious morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Dinner (Queenstown)

NZ$129 Adult NZ$65 Child

Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the largest and grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. The TSS Earnslaw makes several trips daily across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western shores. A cruise on this gracious heritage vessel is the perfect way to experience Queenstown’s magnificent alpine scenery. Upon reaching Walter Peak High Country Farm, you can disembark for an insight into New Zealand’s farming lifestyle. Enjoy an evening dining at the Colonel’s Homestead followed by an entertaining Sheep Show!

Remarkable 9 Hole Golf Tour (Queenstown)

From NZ$169 Adult/Child

Queenstown has become New Zealand’s premier destination for golfers, offering some of the most spectacular courses in the world. With a mix of easy and challenging courses, take the chance to play a 9-hole round at one of three Queenstown courses. Choose from the secluded fairways of the South Island’s premier resort course at Millbrook Resort, one of the most scenic courses in the world – the Queenstown Golf Club or the Arrowtown Golf Club, bursting with history and character. Your package includes course transfers with hotel pick-ups, green fees, cart hire and executive club hire.

Haast River Safari (Franz Josef Glacier)

NZ$109 Adult NZ$59

Travel on a purpose built fully enclosed river jet boat with front-loading access. Great visibility is ensured, yet you remain warm, dry and comfortable, making this a unique and safe experience suitable for anyone of any age to participate in and enjoy.

Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox snowfields on this 40-minute scenic flight. Cross the main divide for breathtaking views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Highlights include a snow landing, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and Mt Cook.

From a mantle of pure white snow, massive rivers of ice wind their way down glacier valleys. Explore the glaciers, an incredible natural phenomenon on this 30-minute scenic flight. Highlights include a snow landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.

The Helicopter Line - Neve Discoverer Flight (Franz Josef Glacier)

NZ$240 Adult NZ$168 Child

Lift off and fly up over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier to land amongst this alpine wonderland on a 20-minute scenic flight. Highlights include landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and a snow or icefall landing.

West Coast Wildlife Centre (Franz Josef Glacier)

NZ$35 Adult NZ$20 Child

The West Coast Wildlife Centre, New Zealand, is a brand new all-weather attraction located in the centre of Franz Josef. It is the official home to the incubation and captive rearing programme for New Zealand’s rarest Kiwi – the Rowi and Haast tokoeka. The forest and bush around the West Coast are largely dense and untouched and the undergrowth is teeming with incredible wildlife – much of which is rarely seen as it is often only active at night.

West Coast Treetop Walk (Franz Josef Glacier)

NZ$38 Adult NZ$15 Child

An exhilarating treetop adventure among the temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds, high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy, along a steel platform 20 metres high and over 450 metres long.

Bookings

The excursions can be booked through your Travel Director. You will be asked during the early part of your tour to name those that you may wish to join, as advance reservations are often necessary. Please note that occasionally weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. Some also depend on a minimum number of participants and suitable time being available.

Prices

Prices indicated are Australian or New Zealand dollars

Prices are valid from 1 October 2016. Optional experience pricing is indicated in Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars depending on the country of operation and may be subject to change. Please note that reduced rates for pensioners or children may apply on some tours. Prices are inclusive of GST.

AAT Kings is Australia’s favourite guided holiday company, with over 100 years of experience. Our wide range of Day Tours, Short Breaks and Guided Holidays are the perfect way to experience the best of Australia & New Zealand.